Nigel Farage in talks over mega-money deal to join I’m A Celebrity – after turning down show ‘several times’
NIGEL Farage is lining up a mega-money deal to take part in next month’s I’m A Celebrity, we can reveal.
The former Brexit Party chief, 59 — who said previously he has been invited “several times” — is said to be in advanced talks with ITV’s show bosses.
The deal, possibly worth up to £1million, is being brokered by 2017’s winner Georgia Toffolo’s talent company — The Visionary Talent Agency.
Boy George was rumoured to have received £900,000 for his jungle stint last year and Farage could likely command as much.
Producers reckon signing him up will ensure another hit series after last year’s when disgraced ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock was a stand-out contestant.
They have already enlisted jockey legend Frankie Dettori and This Morning’s Josie Gibson.
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A TV insider said: “Nigel has been at the top of the wish-list for I’m A Celeb bosses for years.
“They’ve offered him a huge fee as they know he’ll drive up viewing figures. Ant and Dec will love this signing.
“Nigel’s the ultimate Marmite character and won’t hold back in camp discussions.
“It’s a real coup. The casting team has nailed it. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant series.”
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Speaking on his GB News show last year, Farage said: “I have been approached several times by I’m a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here! and I’ve always ruled it out.
“I’ve never thought it would be a good thing to do.
“I thought it’s all rather humiliating, frankly. But I suppose you can never ever say never.”
He went on: “I’d love to get actually some of your reaction, some of your feedback on whether you think I should be in the jungle — or whether you think we should leave it to people like Matt Hancock.”
Aside from Hancock, Farage would also be following in the footsteps of former MPs Nadine Dorries and Edwina Currie, and Boris Johnson’s dad Stanley.
This week ex-Ukip chief Farage hit out at a review of his controversial debanking from Coutts.
Law firm Travers Smith said there were “serious failings” in his treatment by Coutts’ owner NatWest, but claimed the decision to shut his account was lawful — and taken for commercial reasons.
Farage said: “Travers Smith has taken a mealy-mouthed approach.
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"It argues my political views ‘not aligning with those of the bank’ was not in itself a political decision. This is laughable.”
ITV said: “Any names suggested for I’m a Celebrity are speculation.”
